Premier League's Corner Chaos: A Call for Action from Football's Lawmakers
The Corner Kick Conundrum: A Growing Issue in the Premier League
The Premier League is currently grappling with a unique challenge: the corner kick. While goals are being scored, the amount of pushing and pulling has reached a point where it's becoming a spectacle rather than a fair contest. Defenders are wrestling with attackers, and the six-yard box is often packed with as many as 16 players, making it a nightmare for referees to manage.
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has spoken out, stating that 'something needs to be done'. The issue has become so prevalent that it's now a topic of discussion in press conferences, with managers expressing their frustration. Everton boss David Moyes believes the onus is on referees to take action, calling the lack of intervention 'poor'.
The Dark Arts of Corner Defense
The tactics employed by teams are becoming increasingly aggressive. Attackers are crowding the goalkeeper, hoping to nullify their movement and effectiveness. Defenders, meanwhile, are often more interested in blocking the attackers' run than in the ball itself. Arsenal, according to Moyes, has been at the forefront of these 'dark arts'.
The Impact on the Game
The Premier League has the highest number of set-piece goals in the top five leagues, with 27%. This success is clearly a result of the tactics employed, but it's also causing a shift in the game's dynamics. Liverpool boss Arne Slot believes it's making the Premier League a poorer product, stating that most games are not a joy to watch.
The Role of Referees and Lawmakers
The question remains: who is responsible for fixing this behavior? Are referees, players, or coaches to blame? The Premier League has placed a stronger emphasis on holding, but with a high bar on fouls, much of the pushing and pulling is allowed. The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) argues that the issue is only highlighted in the media when high-profile cases arise.
The Way Forward: Law Changes or No?
One possible solution is a change in the law. Alan Shearer, a former player, has proposed that the referee can penalize any subsequent behavior once the game is restarted, rather than waiting for the ball to be in play. Darren Cann has his own idea: attackers must start outside the goal area before the corner is taken, which would solve the issue of the crowded goal area.
However, the International Football Association Board (Ifab) has not yet discussed these changes, and it may take time for any action to be taken. The Scottish Football Association chief executive, Ian Maxwell, has stated that the issue is not necessarily getting worse, and that it's a natural part of the game's evolution.
The Bottom Line
While the Premier League is known for its competitive nature, the corner kick has become a point of contention. The question remains: will football's lawmakers take action to fix the issue, or will it remain a part of the game's unique charm?
